At just six years old, Alessandro Gervasi charmed audiences at the prestigious Sanremo 2025 festival, making history as the youngest musician ever to perform at the event. Born on November 23, 2018, in Buseto Palizzolo, Sicily, this extraordinary child prodigy not only showcased his remarkable talent on the piano but also captured hearts with his infectious enthusiasm.
Alessandro's musical voyage began during the pandemic, inspired by his father, who works as a metalworker and has always had a passion for music. It was during this period he received a toy keyboard for his third birthday, which soon became his first instrument. Impressively, he self-taught himself to play the Italian national anthem, "L'ìnno di Mameli," astonishing his family who soon discovered his rare gift of absolute pitch—a remarkable ability to identify and reproduce musical notes accurately without needing any reference tones.
His early music endeavors were just the beginning. By May 2024, Alessandro's talent led him to win first place at his first international music competition held locally. His growing fame quickly escalated when, just months later, he had the opportunity to improvise with the world champion accordionist Pietro Adragna at the International Accordion Festival. A video of this impromptu duet went viral, catching the attention of Cinthia Th Torrini, director of the upcoming television series "Champagne," which centers on the life of Peppino di Capri.
The festival saw Alessandro performing the hit song "Champagne" by Peppino di Capri during the second evening segment, exhilarating the audience at the Ariston Theatre. Carlo Conti, the artistic director, remarked, “He’s only six years old, but he will give us a special moment on the piano with the notes of ‘Champagne.’” It's evident why Alessandro captured the festival's spotlight; his performance demonstrated not only technical proficiency but also genuine joy and excitement.
After finishing his set, he quickly exited the stage, responding to Carlo Conti's cheeky inquiry about wanting to stay longer with a candid, “No!” His down-to-earth demeanor drew laughter and applause from the crowd. It was evident he is still just a little boy at heart, blissfully enjoying the moment rather than feeling overwhelmed by the glitz of the occasion.
Following his applauded set, Alessandro’s mother, Giovanna Paladino, shared her thoughts about his rapid ascent to fame. "For now, he is the phenomenon Alessandro, the child prodigy everyone is talking about. But he shouldn't just remain the phenomenon; we hope he grows to be the artist. We are ready to support and ground him, living this beautiful moment with the lightness and joy of a child,” she expressed. Their family appears to take his exceptional talent with a sense of balance, ensuring fun remains part of his learning experience.
Training has also been central to Gervasi’s progress. Approximately one month before Sanremo, he began taking piano lessons from a private teacher from the Conservatory, relishing the opportunity to deepen his skills. The lessons often exceed the scheduled time, as he fervently engages with the music, enhancing his knowledge with every session.
Looking forward, Alessandro's future seems bright. His budding career is closely tied to the upcoming television series dedicated to the iconic Peppino di Capri, where he will portray the musician as a child. This alignment with his own musical aspirations amplifies the poetic nature of his talent and dedication. The show, set to air on Rai1 on March 24, 2025, not only highlights Alessandro's musicality but also emphasizes his significance within the Italian musical lineage, as it reflects the life of the legendary Neapolitan artist.
Alessandro Gervasi's dazzling performance at Sanremo 2025 serves as both a milestone and the starting point of what could be a remarkable musical career. His infectious passion for music, innate talent, and supportive family framework will be instrumental as he navigates his artistic future, capturing both the tradition of Italian music and the hearts of audiences worldwide.